My current plan is to fence both my farm at home and the one near the river. After that, I intend to plant mixed crops like maize and tomatoes, depending on the availability of funds. The earnings from these crops will help me pursue a Bible study course, which I believe will lead to job opportunities since it’s a marketable field and free from corruption in job placements.

What impressed me about GiveDirectly is how you educate us about MPesa security, such as keeping our PINs secret. I appreciate the follow-up after we receive the money to ensure we got it and are using it wisely. Your officers are very polite, and there is no sexual harassment. You excelled in all your efforts, and we really appreciate it. I don't see any areas for improvement—please continue like this forever.

For the last three years, it hasn't rained, and when there is no rain, life becomes very hard. The prices of commodities become very high, making the cost of living unbearable. This is all due to the lack of sufficient rain, which we rely on to plant our crops. Without rain, we face shortages or even a complete lack of food.My husband and I used to depend on casual jobs, where we could earn $2 per day, which is very little to cover even our daily needs. With six children and significant expenses, it was difficult to make ends meet.Upon receiving my last transfer, I used all of the $450 to invest in planting tomatoes. Growing tomatoes requires a lot of capital, and I used the money for various purposes: fencing the farm, purchasing seeds, pesticides, hiring laborers, and buying fuel for the generator to pump water to my farm. The main reason I chose to plant tomatoes is that I know they will yield a high income, which will help me cover many expenses at home and fund other important projects, like building a good home. I can say that life has become much easier since we received the cash, and I am very appreciative.

In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to enhance my farming practices. Given the accessibility of water resources and the existing irrigation equipment, I aim to achieve a more bountiful harvest by the season's end. This endeavor is driven by a desire to fulfill the diverse needs of my family of eight, ensuring an ample supply of essentials, and securing the means to cover my children's school fees. The prospect of an improved yield holds significance not only for sustenance but also for the overall well-being and educational pursuits of my family.

The impact of GiveDirectly's work is truly remarkable. The positive changes brought about by their support are evident, underscoring the crucial role of support. Before receiving this money, I was facing significant challenges, but the financial support I received enabled me to ensure my family's well-being by providing them with nutritious meals. This support has not only alleviated my struggles but also empowered me to cultivate and sell vegetables, further enhancing our economic stability. The transformative effect of GiveDirectly's money is profound, fostering a sense of security and the ability to fulfill my children's desires. While the organization excels in providing direct financial aid that addresses immediate needs, there could be additional avenues for support, such as guidance on sustainable income-generating activities, to ensure long-term empowerment and resilience within the communities they serve.

Upon receiving my second transfer, we were eager to enhance our farming activities, especially with the piece of land we own next to the river. We had previously invested in a generator to pump water for irrigation, but we were short on pipes. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we were able to allocate $40 for pipes, $11 for five liters of generator fuel, and $25 for tomato seeds, which are currently thriving in the nursery bed. I also invested $36 in acquiring additional farming equipment, including a knapsack sprayer, slasher, file, and gumboots. The farm is flourishing, and I am optimistic about a bountiful harvest by the end of the season. Moreover, I settled a $25 debt I owed to a neighbor for farm inputs. Additionally, I used $95 for essential household goods, such as sugar, tea leaves, wheat flour, cooking oil, and a sack of maize, catering to my family of 8. To transport these items from town to my home, I incurred a $26 cost. Furthermore, I contributed $100 to cover the surveyor's cost for subdividing our land and saved the remainder to manage the tomato nursery bed until transplantation to the farm. Overall, the support from GiveDirectly has not only empowered our farming endeavors but also allowed us to address crucial needs within our family and community. I am truly grateful for the positive impact on our lives.

The memory of receiving the money remains fresh in my mind. I was attending a church meeting when my phone unexpectedly rang. Excitedly, I checked and found that Segovia Technology had sent me money. A wave of indescribable joy washed over me, and I promptly shared the fantastic news with my equally thrilled husband, who had coincidentally called to check if I had received the funds. Without delay, we commenced planning how to maximize the transfer, now that we had the much-needed resources at our disposal.

The capacity to acquire pipes for establishing an irrigation system has had the most significant impact on my everyday life. Financial constraints had rendered this purchase impossible in the past. I am overwhelmed with joy that I have now achieved my objective, which means we can now draw water from the river for irrigation. I will forever be grateful for this incredible gift that has transformed my life.

The arrival of GiveDirectly in our village brought a profound sense of relief, as I eagerly anticipated the positive impact their aid could have on our lives. After my successful registration, my hopes were raised, and a profound sense of joy filled me as I knew I would be among the recipients. Immediately, I began strategizing how best to utilize the funds. Since my husband and I primarily rely on farming for income, supplemented by occasional odd jobs, our utmost priority has always been the well-being of our six children. With the first transfer, I made a prudent decision to spent $20 towards school fees, addressing our most pressing need at the time. Subsequently, I invested $70 in purchasing a bag of maize and 5 kilograms of beans to ensure our family had a sufficient food supply. Finally, $54 was wisely spent on acquiring fertilizer, pipes, and petrol to enhance our farming output. I am delighted to report that everything unfolded according to plan, thanks to the invaluable assistance I received.